DCI points at lack of oral hygiene leading to growing number of dental cases in India

Our Bureau, Hyderabad
Thursday, January 7, 2016, 08:00 Hrs [IST]

The Dental Council of India (DCI) has pointed out that lack of awareness about oral hygiene among the people is the major cause for growing number of dental diseases in the country. According to a survey, 87 per cent of people in the country are facing dental problems due to lack of proper oral hygiene.

Viewing it as a serious issue of concern, the DCI has pointed out that it is a failure of the people and dentists to give maximum attention to oral health.

The rising number of cases of bleeding gums and decaying teeth has made the DCI look at the larger picture and work towards preventive methods to address this increasing problem.

Apart from this, bad oral hygiene is one of the major reasons for heart diseases, infections and other cardiovascular problems which are found in patients despite controlled cholesterol levels. According to Dr K Satyendra Kumar dentist with Yashoda Hospital during the past one decade there is a tremendous increase in the gum diseases in the country. “We are getting patients who have neglected their oral health and have to go for implants at ages below 50 years,” says Kumar.

According to dental experts the infections in the teeth and gums are not restricted only to the mouth region and they spread to the liver, heart and kidneys if it is neglected for a longer period.

Experts say that severe infections in mouth and teeth are indicators to various diseases. The infection in teeth may also cause problems in other organs of the body and it can automatically cure if proper care to oral hygiene is given. “In some cases the infection has to be controlled from the teeth and only after that other medications help to stabilize the affected organs,” informed Kumar.

For creating more awareness among the people about the dental care and oral hygiene, the Indian Dental Association has declared October to November as the month for oral hygiene where awareness camps are carried out.

In addition to this, the DCI has also asked the dental colleges and hospitals to set up public dentistry departments where people can be counselled on maintenance of oral health.